Who We Are
Begun 70 years ago by a group of committed Baptist women, two or more mission centers have continuously served the people of inner-city Roanoke.
In Fall 2008 the Roanoke Valley Baptist Association assumed supervision of the centers.
Our best is yet to come. We take lessons learned from the past and apply them as we look forward to serving Roanoke for another 70 years.
Baptist Community Center
Located at the corner of 17th St and Wise St SE, the Community Center’s building features:
- large fellowship hall
- full-service kitchen
- activities room
- homework room
- playground
- basketball court
Baptist Community Center operates a Ladies Bible Study and After-School Ministry.
Baptist Friendship House
The Baptist Friendship House is located at 635 Elm Ave, SW. To access the rear parking lot, turn on 6th St and head north. The alley is to your left.
The Baptist Friendship House is on a double lot with a playground area to the side. In addition, the building features:
- two kitchens
- 5 rooms for small-group instruction
- a shower
- basketball hoop
Currently the Baptist Friendship House hosts a Ladies’ Bible Study, Youth Ministry (in conjunction with Virginia Heights Baptist Church), and Children’s After-School Ministry.
Our Staff
Dr. Robert H. Hetherington, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley Baptist Association
Nathan White, Site Coordinator for Baptist Friendship House
Pat Carter, Site Coordinator for Baptist Community Center
Janie Beard, Ministry Assistant for Baptist Community Center
Frazier Doran, Ministry Assistant for Baptist Community Center
Lairen Taylor, Ministry Assistant for Baptist Friendship House
Our Committee
These 9 men and women picked from RVBA churches are charged with helping to develop a vision and ensuring that the centers head in the right direction. This committee meets monthly. Members include:
- Wanda Ware – Chair (2010)
- Scotty Carpenter – Vice-Chair (2010)
- Pat Dillon – Ministries (2010)
- Iris Palmer – Benevolence (2011)
- Lu Henry – Church Liason (2011)
- Rick Pinkerman – Properties (2011)
- Jim Richardson – Volunteers (2012)
- Inez Flora – Correspondence (2012)
- Virginia Austin – Secretary (2012)
